Szydło also said that Poland was democratic and “pro-EU”, and that it was determined to defend important European Union values, including the free market.

Talking to Le Point, Macron criticised the Szydło government’s opposition to his push for rules under which companies would be required to pay "posted" and local workers the same wages.

Poland has said this would hit its transport industry, making its truck drivers lose their edge in western European markets.

"I unequivocally condemn this approach and, more broadly, the very worrying policy of the Polish government, which undermines European solidarity and even the rule of law,” Macron said in the interview.

“I am not the only one to be thinking and saying this, because such is the analysis of the (European) Commission and our partners," he added.

'Polish government does not speak for Eastern Europe'

"The Polish government does not speak for Eastern Europe," Macron also said in the interview, adding that "Polish people are deeply pro-European" and "committed to European values."

Macron last week held a series of talks with the leaders of Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria about new rules on posted workers. The political offensive by Macron added to diplomatic tensions between Warsaw and Paris.

Speaking at a press conference in Bulgaria last Friday, Macron said: “Poland is not defining Europe’s future today and nor will it define the Europe of tomorrow.”

In response, Szydło said at the time that Poland is neither isolated nor in conflict with anyone in Europe, but is "defending its rights like all other European countries." (str/pk)